VGM = Total Weight of Cargo, Loading Aids, Dunnage and Tare of Container to become effective July 1st, 2016.

Purpose for VGM (Verified Gross Mass)

This requirement was deemed necessary in order to ensure Shippers provide theaccurate and reliable total weight of the container to the carrier for safety reasons.Many accidents occurred, causing injuries to people and assets, as a result ofinaccurate weight declarations.

Basic requirement

The Shipper has to provide to the ocean carrier the Verified Gross Mass (Weight) of the Container, including cargo weight, weight of all loading equipment and materials,dunnage and the tare weight of the container) along with a Signature (can beelectronic) identifying the person responsible for the declared weight. This
information has to be provided to the carrier, most likely before delivery to thecarrier's port terminal.

Implementation

All countries which are members of the IMO (International Maritime Organization), a United Nations Agency, will have to implement VGM.

Weighing Methodologies

1. Weigh the packed/laden container.

2. Weigh all packages, packaging and dunnage material and add the tare weight of the container.

Responsible Parties

The shipper shown on the B/L is responsible for providing the VGM declaration, signed/identified by company and individual person. This declaration can be providedin paper or electronic form.

Container Tare Weight

The container’s tare weight is shown on the door of the container. Some shipping lines have container weight information available on their websites.

Weight Tolerance

VGM weight tolerance is under consideration. Numbers mentioned but not confirmed are 5% with maximum of 500 Kgs.

Terminal Constraints

Legally and theoretically the container can be weighed at the terminal. However, not
all terminals will have the infrastructure to perform this service, especially when
considering the huge volume of containers passing through a terminal. Having the
weighing performed at the port could lead to substantial congestion and delays.

Weight Declaration on Shipper’s Shipping Instruction

The purpose of the VGM is to advise the ocean carrier/terminal of the total container
weight, including container tare weight, for safety purposes, most likely latest at the
time container is being delivered into the carrier’s custody at the port terminal.
Therefore, the VGM reported to the carrier doesn’t not have to match the weight
shown in the B/L. The VGM is used by the carrier to prepare the vessel’s stowage
plan.

Standard Process Flow

1. Shipper to consolidate and send VGM to Carrier and Terminal directly or viashippers’ appointed vendor through following either one of following means :

Portnet

EIR (Equipment Interchange Receipt)

Shipping Order or Shipping Instruction

Container Load Plan

3rd Party Weighing Certificate

VERMAS (IMO EDI Facility)

Other local official documents based on local practice

2. In case of 3rd Party has been officially appointed by local authorities to carry
out weighing and issue weight certificate, this 3rd party can consolidate and
send VGM to Carrier and Terminal via VERMAS or manual Excel Sheet for
uploading.

For VGM verified with discrepancies less than 5% or 500kgs,
container can proceed to CY stack. Tolerance level is subject to change
depending on local practice.

For VGM verified with discrepancies more than 5% or 500kgs,
container could be diverted to waiting area or returned to shipper's
premises. Tolerance level is subject to change depending on local
practice.

For those manual declarations without any rectification with or without
weighing at Weight Bridge, container could be diverted to waiting area
or returned to shipper's premises.

4. All official documents must be duly signed by authorized personnel from
shipper’s company except those declaration via Portnet

5. For locations without VGM implementation e.g. Iran, Export customs
documentations declared by shipper will be the only source to be used for
updating VGM. Manual calculation using gross cargo weight plus container
tare weight has to be carried out at these locations.

6. For containers involved in item 3b and 3c, Carrier has to decide on the
acceptance with discrepancies and inform Terminal and Shipper for loading or
withdrawal after analyzing risk and vessel capacity during Pre-Loading
Planning.

11. Failing which, no BL will be issues until shipper clarifies the discrepancies
and revise shipping instruction.

12. For SOC and Partner TS Shipment, VGM ex 1st leg MLO vessel/voyage
should be verified at POLs. This verified weight can be processed through
following ways for 2nd leg RCL connecting vessel/voyage :

Portnet data from discharger to Loader.

IMO VERMAS from MLO to RCL.

EDI data transfer.

Manual report using excel sheet.

13. For SOC and Partner Local shipment, VGM verification processes should be
carried out as per local practice at RCL POLs similar to RCL processes
mentioned above.

14.
In case of any non-compliance to VGM verification processes, SOC and
Partner will deal with own shipper directly before proceeding for loading RCL
vessel/voyage.

Disclaimer note and remark:

The information is merely for general guidelines, to the best knowledge of RCL.
Different ports have different operating requirements with may differ from these
general guidelines. RCL bears no responsibility for any inaccurate information which
is provided on good faith for purpose of facilitating containers' operations.